Here are 6 area football games to follow, 3 featuring matchups of unbeaten teams
(Observer Sweet 16 rankings are noted)
No. 13 North Mecklenburg (4-0, 0-0 I-Meck 4A) at Mooresville (4-0, 0-0), 7:30 p.m.: A meeting of two recently-revived programs. The Vikings are led by quarterback Aaron Scott, who averages 200-plus passing yards a game. Mooresville running back Quamir Conner averages 100 yards rushing per game.
Cramerton Stuart Cramer (3-1, 0-0 Big South 3A) at No. 16 Kings Mountain (3-1, 0-0), 7:30 p.m.: Can Stuart Cramer’s stout defense stop Mountaineers QB Kaylon Scott, who has passed for 1,027 yards and 15 touchdowns this season?
No. 3 Charlotte Catholic (3-1, 0-0 Southern Carolina 3A) at Monroe (3-1, 0-0), Sat, 1 p.m.: Defensive end Nick King and the Cougars’ defense faces a tough Redhawks defense, featuring Chris Colon (10 tackles for loss this season). Both teams also have strong ground games.
No. 11 Weddington (4-0, 0-0 Southern Carolina 3A) at No. 7 Indian Trail Sun Valley (4-0, 0-0), 7:30 p.m.: Expect points by the dozens, with Weddington RB-DB Will Shipley and Sun Valley QB Sam Howell as the main weapons.
Rock Hill Northwestern (0-4) at Dutch Fork (3-0), 7:30 p.m.: Reigning 5A state champion Dutch Fork is a big favorite, but it’s a chance for the Trojans to turn the season around. Northwestern needs a big game from QB Dustin Noller, who has thrown for nearly 700 yards but only two touchdowns.
No. 6 Vance (4-0, 0-0 I-Meck 4A) vs. No. 2 Mallard Creek (3-0, 0-0) at Richardson Stadium, 8 p.m. Saturday: Harrisburg Hickory Ridge and Independence meet in the 5:30 p.m. opener on UNC Charlotte’s campus, but this main event is a showcase for two outstanding quarterbacks – Vance’s Nigel Summerville and the Mavericks’ Casey Kelly. But there are many other major-college recruits on the two rosters.
Steve Lyttle